Which Surge Protector for PC/MAC?

Wiggynut

Hi

I've been trying to find surge protectors that are used for PC or Mac (I'm getting an IMac soon.. can't wait ) but I can only seem to find the ones for home cinema, etc.

I did buy one from amazon and it ended up being for microwaves and blenders... not much use to me as I need it for computer equipment so I will have to send it back.

Can someone tell me what 'strength' I need?
I did a search and I saw such numbers as 1400 and 2700 for the 'lesser' strength type.

suggestions would be good or if you know where to buy from (ideally online so to save some money! we are on moneysavingexpert afterall )

Thanks
:beer:

isofa

If you are after a basic surge protector, most will protect you, Staples sell a lot, such as: Belkin Surgemasters etc.

You might also want to look for those with protection for network/broadband and phone line surge protection too.
Even shops like Homebase and Argos stock these.

However at the other end of the spectrum are UPS (uninterruptible power suppliers) have a look at the products from APC, link: http://www.apc.com/products/category.cfm?id=13 (Belkin and other companies also make good UPS units).

They enable your systems to run in the event of a power cut, by using a high powered battery which not only filters (surge protects) the mains, but also can supply and power computers for a few minutes when the power fails.

The VA rating of UPS units, essentially is rating of how much power can be supplied before it goes flat, and it depends how much your computer(s) drain. A 500VA UPS will last 10-15 mins on a low power flat screen and a tower, but on a more powerful setup it might only last 5-10 minutes.

APC and other top makes also have software which you can install which will safely shutdown your computer in the event of a power failure. APC software is Mac and PC compatible.

Wiggynut

well, the surge protector I got from Amazon said it was only for general things like microwaves and not for PC/Macs so I would have thought I shouldn't use that as it wont protect my computer if there was a power surge.

I only peeked at UPS as the one I saw cost £200 :eek: which I definitely don't need... all those numbers etc get me confused

I'll have a proper look at those UPS to see if it's applicable.
Thanks for your help

M4RKM

i have an imac, and it is plugged into a standard belkin surgemaster..

Wiggynut

markymoo wrote: »

i have an imac, and it is plugged into a standard belkin surgemaster..

how do you know it will be protected?
have you had any power surges... I'm useless where electric is concerned.. can change a bulb and plug but that's it for me!

sorry, not being awkward... just should I keep the one that says it's for microwaves.. I can't remember what it said on the box but there were 3 categories... the next one up was for DVD/TV etc and then the top one showed PC's etc.